By Max Bowen—max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
Following their North American Volt Hockey Championship win, the North Attleborough Rolling Warriors are headed to Sweden for the sport’s World Cup.
Volt hockey is an adaptive sport played by individuals with physical disabilities who use specially designed, motorized wheelchairs. Players use paddles attached to their wheelchairs to maneuver a ball into a net and compete on a rectangular court.
This gold medal represents the first for a United States team and secures the Rolling Warriors a spot at the Volt Hockey World Cup.
The North Attleborough team is the second U.S. volt hockey team, with the first being the Boston Whiplash. The North Attleborough team was founded by Spaces2Thrive, an organization that helps individuals with disabilities and families to access recreational opportunities and participate in adaptive sports. Spaces2Thrive was co-founded by by Helena and Helge Liedtke
Helena Liedtke said the Rolling Warriors’ win shows what athletes with disabilities are capable of.
“It shows what’s possible if we truly have an environment that is truly inclusive,” she said. “This sport, everybody can play.”
It was a sentiment echoed by members of the team, who hail from Chelmsford, Franklin and Millville, among others. Vivienne Liedtke said the team allows her to play a sport without being worried about what people may think, and everyone can play equally. She began playing volt hockey three and a half years ago after her mother Helena Liedtke learned of the sport online.
“I consider all my teammates my friends,” said Vivienne.
Mia Bean said that she loves the fact she is supported and understood.
Ellary Kinnane said she loves the community that she has found with the team, and how everyone is on an even playing field.
“You could be playing with able-bodied people, and they wouldn’t have any advantage,” said Kinnane. “It doesn’t matter your physical abilities; it just matters how determined you are to improve.”
Mia’s mother Karen said volt hockey has changed their lives, that Mia has had a rough time at school and feels a new camaraderie with the team.
“Every time she goes in, she lights right up,” Karen Bean said. “As her parent, it makes me happy.”
Shannon O’Callaghan’s daughter Maddie is on the team and said everyone has a lot of fun.
“They were real games,” she said. “I’m feeling like what a football player’s mom feels.”
At the Volt Hockey World Cup, the Rolling Warriors will be among 22 teams and more than 200 players from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany and Canada. Helena Liedtke said this is a great opportunity for the team, and they hope to connect with the other players. She added that volt hockey has been played in Denmark for years, as the country both created the sport and designs the chairs used by the players.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to represent the U.S.,” she said.
State House recognition
On Aug. 21, state Rep. Adam Scanlon, state Sen. Paul Feeney and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll welcomed the Rolling Warriors to the Massachusetts State House to honor their achievement of winning gold at the North American Volt Hockey Championship.
“We’re so proud to welcome the North Attleborough Rolling Warriors back home to celebrate this incredible accomplishment,” said Driscoll in an announcement. “These athletes are breaking barriers every day, and their gold medal is a testament to their perseverance and talent. We can’t wait to cheer them on at the Volt Hockey World Cup this fall.”
The Rolling Warriors were also given a tour of the State House by Scanlon and Feeney. The team was honored in the House Chamber during House Session by Scanlon and welcomed to the Senate Chamber during Senate Session by Feeney.
“Congratulations to these young athletes on their amazing achievement winning the North American title. I am so proud to have them from North Attleborough represent us at the Volt Hockey World Cup later this year,” said Scanlon. “The Rolling Warriors and the organization Space2Thrive are an inspiration, and I am glad to give them my support.”